The holiday season is officially underway at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, with the opening of its annual poinsettia exhibit. This vibrant showcase, featuring hundreds of poinsettias in various colors and shapes, invites visitors to experience a festive atmosphere within the gardens’ conservatory.
Shaunna Mooney, the Marketing Manager for the Gardens, described the exhibit as “absolutely beautiful,” offering a “holiday magical scene” that provides warmth and color during the winter months. The exhibit is one of the Gardens’ largest annual projects, showcasing the dedication of the horticulture team, who cultivate some of the plants on-site while sourcing others from local nurseries.
“It takes a lot of hands, a lot of help,” Mooney remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort that brings the exhibit to life. The plants flourish in the conservatory, where the warm and dry air closely resembles their native habitat in Mexico. “The poinsettias do a great job in here, especially where it’s warm,” she added.
Visitors can anticipate seeing unique colors not typically found in local stores. “We have some really, really unique colors that you maybe haven’t seen before,” Mooney noted, mentioning shades of pink, orange, and peach that enhance the experience for guests.
The poinsettia exhibit has become a cherished holiday tradition for many in Western New York. Mooney emphasized its cultural significance, stating, “People love to come and visit every holiday season to bring their families, bring a date, come and do something relaxing that you wouldn’t otherwise do in the winter.”
Throughout the exhibit’s duration, the Botanical Gardens will host various holiday events. Notable activities include Poinsettias After Dark, where visitors can enjoy the exhibit in a special evening setting, as well as visits from Santa Claus. Additionally, this year introduces a mini-golf experience that winds through the exhibit, providing a playful twist to the traditional display.
Another exciting addition is Bricks and Brews, an adults-only event that allows guests to construct a custom Lego version of the Botanical Gardens’ conservatory while enjoying beverages. This fusion of creativity and social interaction enhances the festive appeal of the exhibit.
Tickets and detailed information about events can be accessed on the Botanical Gardens’ official website, buffalogardens.com. The poinsettia exhibit not only enriches the holiday experience for attendees but also reinforces the Gardens’ role as a vibrant community hub during the winter season.
